Need Rheumatologist to help rule out Lupus (or get a diagnosis)

[Anonymous]

Prefer a dr. in Beth/Chevy Chase/NW
Is there a "go to" person in this area for Lupus? I've been having some symptoms that could be lupus for years off and on but nobody has been able to 'label' me with any illness. However, there is a history of autoimmune illness in my immediate and extended family (including lupus).

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have Lupus and a host of other autoimmune diseases. They are still working through all my diagnoses.

I was horribly misdiagnosed by a Dr here, and went up to Johns Hopkins. I won't go anywhere else.

You can also call the Lupus Foundation of DC/MD/VA and they can help you. They are an amazing organization.

Hugs!

[Anonymous]

Dr Petri at Johns Hopkins is the leading expert in the area and also in the US. She's amazing.

[Anonymous]

Just curious, what were your symptoms for Lupus that alerted you to go see a doctor? Could you share your experience, please?

[Anonymous]

Ok, well I ended up in the ER with a serious infection. I went to an ENT here and she didn't know and didn't care what was wrong with me. I went to Hopkins to an ENT there who told me that I probably had Sjogren's disease and needed a rheumatologist. Half of all people with Sjogren's have either Lupus or RA.

In working to diagnose all of my Autoimmunes, things made sense for lupus....extreme fatigue, sensitivity to the sun, rash around my eyes after being in the sun, terrible join pain and stiffness.
They are not finished diagnosing all of my autoimmunes becaue they are difficult to dianose and over mimmick eachother. But I have lupus/sjoregn's and another blood clotting disorder. They are also looking at some other things.

I go to Hopkins but I have herd very good things about Dr. Katz at GW.
Do any of my symttoms sound familiar? No two cases are alike.

[Anonymous]

So sorry to learn you're going through this. I was sent to a rhuematologist for similar reasons ... it did not end up being lupus but another autoimmune disease with joint inflammation.

My doctor is wonderful -- of all the various doctors I see for different aspects of my disease, she is by far the best. Her name is Dr. Shari Diamond and she's with Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates. I see her in DC but the practice has other locations. She's compassionate and competent, and the practice is very well run. I hardly ever have to wait, and when I do it's just a few minutes.

Incidentally, I recently had an intern with another autoimmune disease who goes to the same practice, and he told me that of all the doctors he's seen (and there have been many since he was diagnosed young), his doctor there is by far the best.

[Anonymous]

My mom sees Dr. Welton at Gtown and thinks highly of him for treating her RA.